The Insurance Thought Leadership Event

Following the success of the Inaugural EmpowerHER Event in 2025, we are proud to host EmpowerHER 2026. This is a one-of-a-kind gathering designed to celebrate and empower women and allies in the InsurTech industry. In partnership with the InsurTech Hartford Symposium, this exclusive pre-event sets the tone for an incredible experience in Connecticut, offering opportunities to connect, learn, and grow.

This in-person event is dedicated to inspiration, connection, and celebration—bringing together thought leaders, delivering career-boosting insights, and fostering meaningful relationships to help propel careers in insurance and technology.
Check out our playlist

2026 Agenda

A full-day experience for women in insurance and financial services to lead, innovate, and transform.

9:00 AM – 9:15 AM Emcee

Kick-off
Logistics

9:15 AM – 10:30 AM Morning Networking + EmpowerHER Breakfast – Networking Sponsor
10:30 AM – 11:15 AM Opening Panel: Breaking the Mold – Women Leading the Next Era of Insurance

Explore how women are challenging the status quo in leadership, operations, and innovation.

11:20 AM – 12:00 PM Beyond Buzzwords: Real Talk on AI, Automation, and the Human Touch

How are women shaping AI-driven transformation while preserving empathy in customer experience and operations?

12:05 PM – 12:45 PM Follow the Money: Investment, Capital, and Women Changing the Game – Sponsored Keynote (Potential Amy Friedrich/Sabrina Hart)
12:45 PM – 1:45 PM Lunch - Sponsored
1:50 PM – 2:30 PM Building Without Borders: From Silos to Systems

A panel or case-study-driven discussion on how women are leading cross-functional, enterprise- wide change.

2:35 PM – 3:15 PM Customer 3.0 – Designing for Tomorrow’s Insurance Consumer

How women leaders are rethinking customer journeys and creating inclusive, future-ready experiences.

3:20 PM – 4:00 PM Trailblazers Unplugged: Lightning Talks from Industry Gamechangers

Quick 5–7 minute spotlight talks by 5-6 speakers on bold moves, lessons learned, or leadership truths.

4:00 PM – 4:15 PM Closing Remarks
4:15 PM – 5:00 PM Sponsored Networking

About The VIP Experience

On Sunday afternoon, a limited number of EmpowerHER attendees will gather at Hartford’s historic Wadsworth Atheneum for the VIP experience—a refined networking gathering for women in insurance. Surrounded by world-class art, women leaders will connect through curated introductions and meaningful conversation designed to spark collaboration and mentorship. Expect an elegant atmosphere that elevates women’s voices and builds relationships to help women advance their insurance careers.

2025 SPEAKERS

Bobbie Shrivastav

Co-Founder, CEO Solvrays

Meg Duty

Senior Vice President Puritan Life Insurance

Michelle Raue

EVP, Chief Claim & Transformation Officer Preferred Mutual

Lisa Bickus

Chief Executive Officer 1891 Financial Life

Amy Carlisle

President, MGA Solutions MSI

Johanna Dunlap

Senior Director of Operations National Life Group

Patty Drexler

Director of Operations Allstate

Laura Dinan Haber

Innovation Brand Director Nassau Financial Group

Deb Smallwood

Founder & Creator SELFPOWERMENT

Lucy Graham

Director of Marketing CalcFocus

Auditee Dutt

Senior Director Innovation Travelers

Fallon DePina Banks

Chief Privacy & Innovation Governance Officer The Cigna Group

Past Attendees

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible sponsors who helped make the event a grand success!

Become a sponsor for the EmpowerHER: Ignite the Future of Insurance

Secure your spot at EmpowerHER 2026!

Register now and save with our exclusive early bird pricing (the discount won't last long!)

In partnership with InsurTech America Symposium, April 13 & 14, 2026

Visit website to learn more.

Let’s Build a Future Together

We’re building a platform for collaboration, learning, and support that will help shape the future of InsurTech for women. Come together with other incredible women and allies, share your insights, and contribute to the growth of this exciting industry.